Blue Ocean Club
Blue Ocean Club cruising guide

Yacht charter in the British Virgin Islands

Cruising the British Virgin Islands on a crewed yacht offers protected sailing within the Sir Francis Drake Channel, short distances between stops, and consistent trade winds. The territory comprises over fifty islands and cays featuring shallow, sandy anchorages that provide sheltered overnight holding. The conditions suit families, novice sailors, and experienced charterers seeking relaxed island-hopping, reef snorkelling, and secluded coves alongside lively harbour anchorages.

Best time to charter

The primary charter season runs from December to April, characterised by steady trade winds of 15 to 20 knots and minimal rainfall. Christmas, New Year, and February through March are the busiest periods. May offers lighter winds, warmer waters, and fewer yachts. The official Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, bringing higher humidity and lower charter activity, with many yachts undergoing maintenance between August and October.

Anchorages and harbours to know

The Baths, Virgin Gorda

Large granite boulders form sea pools and sheltered grottos along the beach, with National Parks Trust day-use mooring buoys provided.

North Sound, Virgin Gorda

A large, protected body of water enclosed by outer reefs and islands, offering multiple sheltered overnight anchorages and mooring fields.

Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke

A protected bay with sandy ground and numerous mooring buoys, providing a standard port of entry and base for exploring the island.

The Bight, Norman Island

A large, well-sheltered harbour on the western side of the island offering calm overnight moorings near snorkel sites at the Caves.

Setting Point, Anegada

A shallow harbour providing access to this low-lying coral and limestone island, known for its extensive barrier reef and sandy shores.

Practical tips

  • Getting there: Beef Island, Tortola (EIS); St Thomas (STT) with a ferry. Tortola's marinas are about 10–30 minutes from Beef Island airport; guests flying into St Thomas take a ferry of about 45–60 minutes.
  • Charter tax: BVI charter tax of about 0% is usually added to the charter fee (No percentage tax on the fee; a per-guest cruising permit applies and is often included in the rate.).
  • Fly into Beef Island, Tortola (EIS) for a 10–30 minute transfer to local marinas, or St Thomas (STT) followed by a 45–60 minute ferry.
  • National Parks Trust mooring buoys require a valid marine park permit and are restricted to day use only; anchoring on living coral is strictly prohibited.
  • Dress codes ashore require covering swimwear when entering town settlements, harbours, and public buildings throughout the territory.
  • Approach Anegada exclusively in clear daylight to navigate the shallow reefs, following the marked channel carefully into the anchorage.

Yachts listed for the British Virgin Islands

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